Springfield, MO - The Arizona Fall League has announced that Springfield Cardinals Field Manager Mike Shildt has been named as the Manager for the Salt River Rafters for the 2013 Fall League season.

The Arizona Fall League is regarded as the "finishing school" for top prospects all throughout professional baseball. Comprised of only six teams, assignments to the Arizona Fall League are not only an honor for players, but also for managers, coaches and athletic trainers.

Shildt is in his second season as the Field Manager for the Springfield Cardinals after helping guide the Cards to their first Texas League Championship in 2012. He previously managed the Johnson City Cardinals for three seasons and won back-to-back Appalachian League titles in 2010 and 2011.

"Being named the Manager for the Salt River Rafters is really humbling and quite an honor," said Shildt. "I'm flattered by the nomination and support from the Cardinals organization, and am really looking forward to working not only with the great talent from our system, but also from other organizations, and helping maximize these great players' potential."

The Charlotte, North Carolina native has put together a 253-193 career managerial record and has also served as the Cardinals Minor League Spring Training Coordinator for the past five years. He was presented with the Cardinals prestigious George Kissell Award in 2010, recognizing his dedication to excellence in player development.

"Mike has done a fantastic job managing the Springfield Cardinals throughout the past two seasons, and is the perfect fit to manage the Salt River Rafters this fall," said Springfield Cardinals Vice President/General Manager Matt Gifford. "His track record speaks for itself, winning the 2012 Texas League Championship following back-to-back titles in Johnson City - there is no one better to help further develop the future of Cardinals Baseball in the Fall League, and we couldn't be more excited for him."

Shildt will be joined by Tulsa Drillers Pitching Coach Darryl Scott (Rockies) and Montgomery Biscuits Hitting Coach Ozzie Timmons (Rays) on the coaching staff for the Rafters, whose roster will be made up of prospects from the Cardinals, Rockies, Rays, Diamondbacks and Blue Jays systems. Arizona Fall League play will begin on Tuesday, October 8 with the full schedule being announced in early August and rosters being released in late August.

All-Star LF Mike O'Neill transferred to Memphis Redbirds

The St. Louis Cardinals have announced that Springfield Cardinals LF Mike O'Neill has been transferred to the Memphis Redbirds (Triple-A).

The Riverside, California native put together an All-Star campaign with Springfield, batting .320 with two home runs, 35 RBIs, 71 walks and a .439 on-base percentage.

O'Neill currently leads all Texas Leaguers in walks and runs scored (66), while ranking 2nd in average and on-base percentage. He is also 3rd in the league with 115 hits, and has put together two on-base streaks of more than 20 games - 22 games from April 19 - May 13 and 21 games from July 8 - July 29. O'Neill reached base in a remarkable 86 of 98 total games played for Springfield.

A former University of Southern California Trojan, O'Neill was selected by the Cardinals in the 31st round of the 2010 draft.

Upcoming Sysco Foods Team Card Sets on August 6 feature Mike Shildt, Mike O'Neill and much, much more

After the Cardinals wrap up this week's seven-game road trip to Tulsa and Arkansas, Springfield returns home to Hammons Field to begin a six-game homestand on Tuesday, August 6. That night will feature the annual Sysco Foods Team Baseball Card Set Giveaway for 4,000 Cardinals fans.

This year's set is a unique and special combination of tributes to iconic members of the Cardinals past along with previews of the next generation of Cardinals Baseball, while of course recognizing the exciting players in the present like newly-promoted All-Star LF Mike O'Neill, Manager Mike Shildt and many more.

In addition to the current Springfield Cardinals, the set features numerous specialty cards, including a commemorative 2012 Texas League Champions card, a Stan Musial Tribute Night card, a John Q. Hammons Memorial card, a Fireworks at the Field Heroics card, a Back-to-Back Texas League Player of the Year card and much, much more. Don't miss your chance to get the most diverse Springfield Cardinals Team Card Set yet!

The Tuesday, August 6 game is also a Great Southern Bank $1 Dog Day, with delicious hot dogs for just a buck each. First Pitch that night is 7:09pm, with gates opening at 6:09pm.

For information about becoming a Season Ticket Holder, organizing a Group Outing, booking a Cake Pop Company Birthday Party or ordering Individual Game Tickets right now, call the Front Office at (417) 863-2143 or visit SpringfieldCardinals.com.

Click here for the Cardinals full 2013 Promotional Schedule and to get your tickets right now.

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This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.